Department of Aging reports $143,000 projected shortfall; commissioners discuss reimagining senior centers

Sarah, speaking for the Department of Aging, told the board the department served 2,896 individuals in 2025 and provided 137,718 meals across congregate and home-delivered programs. She said the program currently delivers roughly 380 home-delivered meals a day and operates multiple senior centers across the county.

Sarah said the department's funding mix is largely outside general county revenue: about 70% of support comes through the area agency on aging, roughly 15% from donations, with the remainder made up through discounts and community contributions. She told commissioners she expects a 2026 shortfall of about $143,000 and reported a carryover balance of $541,964 as of the meeting.

"We're gonna look to help support our nutrition programs," Sarah said, describing planned grant applications and operational changes. She said the department plans to raise the suggested donation for meals from $3 to $4 and to evaluate open positions to reduce insurance costs where possible.

Commissioners focused discussion on the Pioneer senior center, where attendance has fallen to roughly 10 regular participants. Board members discussed the site manager's cost (approximately $72,000 including benefits) and possible ways to reassign staff or run some centers on reduced hours or part-time staffing to preserve home-delivered meals for the roughly 400 most-vulnerable clients.

Commissioners noted the county has been operating with a levy that has not been replaced since about 2005 and discussed whether a replacement levy would be needed to sustain program levels. Board members emphasized trying operational efficiencies and pursuing grants before asking voters for new levy revenue.

The board asked the Department of Aging to return with monthly updates and concrete options to close the projected shortfall while protecting home-delivered meal services for the most vulnerable residents.